Personality Tests and Why I’m Dumbledore

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Chris just got back from his third(!) business trip this month, and honestly, I went a little nutso without him.

Maybe some people are more productive when their partners are traveling, like they finally have time to clean the house without someone being in the way.

Not me. I do my best work when my husband is around, even if he’s in the other room playing video games while I type up a blog post. I’m a classic extrovert, and I’m not myself unless I’m surrounded by people.

Do you like personality tests? I think they’re really fascinating, sometimes silly, and they make me look at who I am as a person and how I react with others.

Here are a few common personality types and what they mean about you.

Extrovert or Introvert

Like I said, I’m a classic extrovert. Generally, extroverts feel happy and energized when they’re around large groups of people. They feel drained, sad, or frustrated when they’re by themselves.

On the other hand, introverts thrive on alone time or in small intimate groups. But they feel drained and agitated around tons of people such as at a noisy party.

Do you lean more toward extrovert or introvert? Does it depend on the situation or who you’re with?

I recently read the popular book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking so that I could better understand my introvert clients. The book was pretty good, but I didn’t like the generalization that extroverts are loud-mouthed braggarts who blurt out whatever pops into their heads. But I can understand how introverts could feel that way after being told all their lives that their introspective natures are holding them back. Check out Quiet if you get a chance.

Type A or Type B

If you’ve spent even a short amount of time on my website, you’ll know I’m a Type A personality. That means I enjoy order, structure, and deadlines. My Ultimate To-Do List worksheet is a perfect visualization of my coaching style and thought process.

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Most of my clients are either Type A people who love structure or Type B people who need someone to whip them into shape.

Type B personalities are more free-flowing and laid back. They get stuff done too, but it’s on their own time schedule and without rigidly following a set of rules or guidelines.

When I was in middle school, I was embarrassed by my Type A “goody-goody” attitude, and I even tried to act like a Type B so I could fit in with the chilled-out cool kids. I still shudder at all those hippie tie-dyed shirts I used to wear—so not me!

Are you a Type A or Type B?

Not sure? Here’s an easy way to tell. Let’s say you’re going to backpack through Europe for a month with a group of friends. You have no hotel reservations or set schedule. You’re just going to play it by ear and be open to whatever comes your way.

If this sounds like a wonderful, life-changing adventure, you’re a Type B. If this sounds like your worst nightmare, you’re a Type A. Watch my video about Vacations From Hell to see my Type A personality in full swing.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

For a more in-depth personality assessment, try the Myers-Briggs personality test. Click here to take a free version of the test. There are 16 personality types based on 4 dichotomies: extraversion/introversion, sensing/intuition, thinking/feeling, and judging/perception.

I’ve taken this test many times over the years, and I always end up with the same personality: ENFJ, also known as “The Teacher.” This type “finds potential in others and helps them fulfill it.” Good thing I became a life coach. 😉

Apparently, Oprah and Barack Obama are also ENFJs. No pressure, right?

I saw this cute article on the personality types of the Harry Potter characters. I’m Dumbledore, of course, because I totally rock. Which character are you?

Do you like personality tests?

In the comments below, share your personality traits and what they say about you.

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3 Comments

Jennon July 12, 2015 at 11:20 am

It’s interesting because I find myself to be in the middle of both type A and B personalities as well as extrovert and introvert. I love structure and the thought of going backpacking in Europe without a plan gives me anxiety, but I also feel that I need someone to whip me into shape. When it comes to being an extrovert or introvert it really depends on the situation and who I’m surrounded by.

I haven’t taken the Myers-Briggs test in about 10 years, but I was consistently an ENFJ whenever I did. I feel like I have changed a lot over the years especially after having 3 kids. I figured I would come up with a completely different personality type and was really surprised to see the result remain the same… so much I had to go back and take the test again this time putting more thought into my answers instead of rushing through them. The result was again the ENFJ but had a little disclaimer on the bottom that said something along the lines that I had marginal or no preference of judgeing over preceiving so the personality type ENFP may apply to me also. Although I was surprised by the results I was pleased to find my personality hasn’t been altered too much by my life changes.

Great post Sage!! I LOVE personality tests! WHen I was younger I would do all of the silly ones for a laugh but I’ve definitely also done the ones you’ve mentioned above. I’m definitely an introvert. I prefer small groups and definitely my alone time. I get very stressed out in large groups and I can’t go to clubs (REFUSE to go to clubs because they freak me out) and bars are a rare occurrence. I prefer quiet evenings at home with friends to a crazy night out or party any day.

I’m also a Type A. I am especially Type A when it comes to time… timing, scheduling, promptness, etc. Not only do I not accept myself being late but it drives me CRAZY when other people are late.

I did the Myers-Briggs test and I got ISFJ (Introvert Sensing Feeling Judging). WHat doesn’t make sense is that for the career paths it said that we often go for careers which require us to interact with lots of people… which would be weird for an introvert. Especially because that was the one part that had the strongest preference. Hmmm.

Thanks, Sarah! I love personality tests, even the silly ones I used to read in Seventeen magazine. It drives me crazy when people are late too–grrr! Hmmm…I can kind of see how an introvert might end up in a job interacting with lots of people. An introvert doctor will see many patients, but only one at a time.